Save A hearty, comforting casserole featuring tender penne pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a golden, bubbling cheese topping—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
This bake became a cold-weather staple for us, especially when we wanted something that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I love how simple the steps are, yet the end result is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) penne pasta
- Meats: 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Sauce: 700 ml (24 oz) tomato passata or marinara sauce, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme), ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional), salt and black pepper to taste
- Dairy: 200 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese, 50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Oils: 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Oven & Dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Beef Mixture:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef, breaking it up. Cook until browned, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Combine Sauce:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add tomato passata, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta & Beef:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir so everything is coated in sauce.
- Layer & Cheese:
- Pour half the mixture into baking dish. Sprinkle with half mozzarella and Parmesan. Add rest of mixture and top with remaining cheeses.
- Bake & Rest:
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save Our whole family gets excited about this cheesy beef and penne casserole on Sunday evenings. The kids always ask for seconds, making it a memory maker at our table.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or add sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach for extra veggies.
Storage and Leftovers
Leftovers keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Save This Cheesy Beef & Penne Bake is guaranteed to bring the whole family together. Serve hot and enjoy every comfort-filled bite.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use other pasta shapes in this dish?
Yes, similar pasta like rigatoni or ziti can be substituted to hold the sauce and cheese well during baking.
- → How do I ensure the beef stays tender and juicy?
Cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned but avoid overcooking to retain moisture before combining with the sauce.
- → What herbs enhance the tomato sauce flavor?
Oregano, basil, and thyme blend well to create a balanced and aromatic tomato base.
- → Is it necessary to pre-cook the pasta fully?
Cook pasta slightly less than package directions to finish cooking during baking, preventing mushiness.
- → Can this dish be made ahead and baked later?
Yes, assemble it in the baking dish, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to preserve freshness and flavors.